Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
238. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how the people of Clare will benefit from his Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45768/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget Estimates for 2024, I secured funding of €7.3 billion for my Department for 2024. This will enable my Department to continue to deliver services across all programmes and schemes on the Vote in 2024. To illustrate this, I have secured an investment package of €1.1bn for early learning and childcare and over a billion has been secured for Tusla, Child and Family Agency to allow Tusla to continue to deliver essential services to children and families referred to Tusla for help. In addition, funding of €2.8bn is being provided for specialist community based disability services in 2024. This includes increased funding to enhance residential places, respite services, Personal Assistant hours, Home support and provide additional day places for school leavers. I have also secured additional funding of €5m for youth services for 2024.
This funding will be spread across a range of services across the country and all counties, including Clare, will benefit from this investment in services. However at this stage as spending has not begun yet, I cannot indicate what proportion of funding will be allocated across schemes and programmes specifically for County Clare.
